They adopted their name in 1962 while performing together around Los Angeles, USA as part of a five-member group called The Paramours, which featured John Wimber (who was much later one of the founders of the Vineyard Movement) on keyboards.
Hatfield and Medley both possessed exceptional vocal talent, with range, control, and tone that helped them create a strong and distinct duet sound (and perform as soloists). Medley sang the low parts with his deep, soulful baritone, with Hatfield taking the higher register vocals with his soaring tenor. They gained their name when an African-American Marine shouted out "That was righteous, brothers" at the end of a show. John Wimber, one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement, played the keyboard in the band.
Their first major hit single was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" in 1965. Produced by Phil Spector, the record is often cited as one of the peak expressions of Spector's Wall of Sound production techniques. It was one of the most successful pop singles of its time, despite exceeding the standard length for radio play. Indeed, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" remains the most played song in radio history, estimated to have been broadcast over 8 million times to date. A little known fact about this song was that Spector utilized Sonny and Cher as back-up singers.
They had several other Spector-produced hit singles during the 1960s, including "Ebb Tide" and "Unchained Melody" in 1965 and "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" in 1966.
Soul and Inspiration was produced by Bill Medley for Verve Records. Phil Spector was not involved with this recording in any way, shape or form. Also, although it is credited to Phil Spector, Bill Medley produced "Unchained Melody". Medley produced the B-Side for the singles and Spector handled the production work on the A-Side. The A-Side for "Unchained Melody" was the single "Hung on You" produced by Phil Spector although it was the B-Side that ended up being the hit.
Koko Joe
The Righteous Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The coolest monkey that you'll ever know
He don't have a tail like other monkeys do
Trimmed it in suede and he died it blue
KoKo Joe
Let me tell you 'bout
Koko Joe
Koko Joe
Koko Joe
Let me tell you 'bout
Koko Joe, Koko Joe
The cutest little monkey in town
Koko, let me tell you, is no square ape
He wears ivy leaguers with a crazy drape
You should see his walk, it's the funniest thing
He changed the stroll to the monkey swing
KoKo Joe
Let me tell you 'bout
Koko Joe
Koko Joe
The cutest little monkey in town
Koko Joe
Let me tell you 'bout
Koko Joe, Koko Joe
The cutest little monkey in town
Koko, that cat really "flips" the chicks
He's got a tough line chatter that really sticks
When they talk about marriage, like the other monkeys do
He says: "Look-a-here, baby, now, later for you".
KoKo Joe
Let me tell you 'bout
Koko Joe
Koko Joe
The cutest little monkey
in town
Koko Joe
Let me tell you 'bout
Koko Joe, Koko Joe
The cutest little monkey in town
The song "Koko Joe" by The Righteous Brothers is about a monkey who stands out among his peers in the jungle. Koko Joe is the coolest monkey in town because unlike other monkeys, he doesn't have a tail - he trimmed it in suede and dyed it blue. Not only that, but he wears ivy league clothing with a crazy drape and changed the regular monkey stroll to the monkey swing. Koko Joe is also a ladies' man, with a "tough line chatter that really sticks" and when it comes to marriage, he's not interested - "later for you".
Line by Line Meaning
In the jungles there's a monkey named Koko Joe
Introducing Koko Joe, a monkey living in the jungle
The coolest monkey that you'll ever know
Koko Joe is the epitome of coolness among all monkeys
He don't have a tail like other monkeys do
Koko Joe's tail is unlike that of other monkeys
Trimmed it in suede and he died it blue
Koko Joe customized his tail and colored it blue using suede
KoKo Joe
Let me tell you 'bout
Koko Joe
Koko Joe
The cutest little monkey in town
Koko Joe
Let me tell you 'bout
Koko Joe, Koko Joe
The cutest little monkey in town
Koko Joe is the cutest monkey around, and the singer wants to tell everyone about him
Koko, let me tell you, is no square ape
Koko is not a boring or ordinary monkey, unlike others
He wears ivy leaguers with a crazy drape
Koko wears stylish and fancy clothes with a distinct style
You should see his walk, it's the funniest thing
Koko's way of walking is very amusing and entertaining
He changed the stroll to the monkey swing
He changed the traditional way of walking to his unique and personal style
Koko, that cat really 'flips' the chicks
Koko has a charming personality and is popular among female monkeys
He's got a tough line chatter that really sticks
Koko has a confident talking style that is memorable and influential
When they talk about marriage, like the other monkeys do
Like other monkeys, marriage is a common topic among Koko's social circle
He says: 'Look-a-here, baby, now, later for you'
Koko makes it clear that he is not interested in getting married anytime soon
Writer(s): SALVATORE P. BONO
Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.